Summary of Mars Clock using PIC16F877A microcontroller
This article describes building a "Monster Martian Clock" using a PIC16F877A microcontroller, an LCD module with backlight, and a 16-button keyboard. The device features 16 independent timers, 16 alarms, multi-planetary time displays, sidereal time tracking, and dual 24-hour/Julian-time outputs. It operates on AC power with a rechargeable battery and requires no computer for configuration.
Parts used in the Monster Martian Clock:
- LCD module with backlight
- 16 button keyboard
- PIC16F877A microcontroller
- External AC power supply
- Built-in rechargeable battery
What do you do if you have a spare LCD module with backlight, a weird 16 button keyboard, and a PIC16F877A microcontroller gathering dust? A monster Martian Clock immediately springs to mind.
You are probably thinking “There are hundreds of PIC clocks on the Net – do we need yet another one?!” Well, this one is a bit different:
- It has 16 timers that can be independently paused and restarted, and can run forward or backward.
- There are 16 alarms with configurable sounds and actions.
- Timers can show Earth, Mars, Jupiter, etc. times at the same time.
- How about sidereal time, Moon phase, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot transit time, and anything periodic in general?
- Simultaneous 24-hour and Julian-time decimal display.
- All changes in configuration can be done from the device’s keyboard – no computer necessary.
- External AC power with built-in rechargeable battery, so you can take the clock around.
- High on the geekness scale.
If you would like to build this clock, of if you are just curious about it, check the links below. The same information is accessible using the tabs at the top and bottom of the page.
| Construction | The construction process in pictures, step-by-step. | |
| Clock Operation | How to use the clock – menu navigation, setting up timers and alarms, examples. | |
| Schematics | Schematics, list of parts. |
For more detail: Mars Clock using PIC16F877A microcontroller
- How many timers can the clock run simultaneously?
The clock has 16 timers that can be independently paused, restarted, and run forward or backward. - Can the clock display times from different planets?
Yes, timers can show Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and other planetary times at the same time. - Does this project require a computer for setup?
No, all changes in configuration can be done directly from the device's keyboard without a computer. - What kind of power source does the clock use?
The clock uses external AC power and includes a built-in rechargeable battery for portability. - How many alarms are included in the design?
The device features 16 alarms with configurable sounds and actions. - Can the clock track non-standard time periods?
Yes, it supports sidereal time, Moon phase, Jupiter's Great Red Spot transit time, and any periodic event. - What specific time formats can be displayed simultaneously?
The clock provides simultaneous 24-hour and Julian-time decimal display.
